Saskatchewan sends people, equipment to flood-ravaged areas

As major flooding continues to wreak havoc on the east and west coasts of Canada, Saskatchewan is offering support.

The province will be sending equipment and people to help fight the floods in Ontario and B.C.

“Every time that there’s a major operation the provinces will bring all of the affected agencies together in an emergency operations centre,” said Duane McKay, the provincial fire commissioner. “So we’ll be helping to spell off some of the individuals that have been working there for a long time in the planning and operations section.”

Two people have been deployed to Toronto and four sand bagging machines were sent to B.C.

The machine is like a giant hopper that is filled with sand and then four people can fill the bags with the sand.

McKay said they haven’t received a request from Quebec at this point for help, but is prepared to act if needed.

Staff have been asked what they’re availability is and if they can be sent out of province.

“We have teams ready to go and equipment ready to go if anyone requests it.”

McKay said Saskatchewan has learned a lot about how to deal with flooding and has large amounts of equipment on standby.